Our Best Vegan Cookie Recipes

Looking for delicious vegan cookie recipes that satisfy your sweet tooth without using animal products?

Vegan cookies are a tasty alternative to traditional cookies, using plant-based ingredients instead of eggs, butter, and milk. These treats are perfect for vegans, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone wanting to try something new in their baking routine.

From classic chocolate chip cookies to unique flavors like pumpkin with chocolate chunks and tahini cookies, the world of vegan baking offers endless possibilities.

You’ll find that vegan cookies can be just as soft, chewy, and flavorful as conventional ones. Many recipes are also simple to make with ingredients you might already have in your pantry.

1. Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie with Coconut Oil

These vegan chocolate chip cookies made with coconut oil are a game-changer for plant-based baking.

You can make them in just one bowl with no chilling required. Instead of traditional butter, coconut oil creates a perfectly chewy texture. The consistency of your coconut oil affects the final cookie – more solid oil produces puffier cookies.

You’ll need only 8 ingredients to make these dairy-free treats. They turn out perfect every time with a satisfying chew that rivals traditional Tollhouse cookies. Some recipes also include dairy-free yogurt as an egg replacement, which contributes to their moist, chewy texture.

2. Flaxseed Meal Sugar Cookies

Flaxseed meal cookies offer a nutritious twist on traditional sugar cookies. They use flaxseed as an egg replacement, making them perfect for vegans.

To make flaxseed eggs, mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gels. These cookies have a rich taste and crisp-tender texture.

You can make them with just a few ingredients including flaxseed meal, coconut oil, and your sweetener of choice. Golden flaxseed meal works best as it has a milder flavor than brown flaxseed. These cookies are not only vegan but can also be grain-free, nut-free, and gluten-free.

3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Delight

These soft-baked peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies need just a few simple ingredients.

You can make them in only 20 minutes from start to finish. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

These cookies are completely vegan but still maintain a thick, chewy texture that everyone will love. You don’t need refined sugar or oil to make these delicious treats. The recipe uses coconut oil and coconut sugar instead, making them a slightly healthier option than traditional cookies.

4. Dairy-Free Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie that you can easily make dairy-free. These soft, tangy treats are coated in cinnamon sugar for that signature flavor everyone loves.

You can create these cookies without butter by using dairy-free alternatives that still provide that rich, buttery taste. Many recipes take just 25 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for quick baking sessions. The best dairy-free snickerdoodles have a soft, pillowy texture with slightly crisp edges.

They’re great for holidays or any day you’re craving something sweet. Some versions are not only dairy-free but also gluten-free and vegan, giving you options for various dietary needs.

5. Almond Butter Oatmeal Rounds

These cookies combine the wholesome goodness of oats with rich almond butter for a treat that’s both nutritious and delicious.

You can mix them up in just 10 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. The cookies feature a crispy exterior with a slightly chewy center, creating the perfect texture contrast. Dark chocolate chunks add pockets of sweetness throughout each bite.

These rounds are naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber. You’ll appreciate how they come together quickly when you need a homemade dessert without much fuss.

6. Molten Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies

These cookies combine the best of brownies and cookies in one delicious treat. They feature a fudgy, rich texture with a gooey center that melts in your mouth.

The secret to their intense chocolate flavor comes from using both cocoa powder and chocolate chips. This double dose of chocolate creates an irresistible depth that will satisfy your strongest chocolate cravings. You can easily make these cookies in just one bowl, saving you cleanup time.

They bake up with a slightly crisp exterior while maintaining that soft, molten center. Try serving them warm with a tall glass of oat milk for the ultimate vegan dessert experience.

7. Tahitian Vanilla Bean Shortbread

These shortbread cookies showcase the rich flavor of Tahitian vanilla beans. You only need 5 simple ingredients to create these buttery treats.

The delicate, floral notes of Tahitian vanilla make these cookies stand out from ordinary shortbread. They have a crisp texture that melts in your mouth with each bite. These cookies pair perfectly with tea or coffee.

You can easily make them dairy-free by using a quality vegan butter substitute. For best results, chill the dough before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape. The vanilla bean flecks visible throughout give these cookies a beautiful, gourmet appearance.

8. Chai Spiced Vegan Cookies

Chai spiced vegan cookies combine warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom for a delightful treat. These cookies offer a perfect balance of chewy centers with slightly crisp edges.

You can make these with simple ingredients while staying completely egg and dairy-free. Many recipes include a homemade chai spice blend that adds authentic flavor reminiscent of Indian masala chai. For extra sweetness, try rolling the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee on chilly days. The best versions have that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them impossible to eat just one!

9. Lemon Zest Coconut Drops

These zesty vegan cookies combine the bright flavor of lemon with chewy coconut for a refreshing treat. They’re light, tangy, and perfect for spring gatherings.

The recipe uses fresh lemon juice and zest to create that perfect citrus punch. You’ll love how the coconut adds a pleasant chewiness that balances the tartness. What makes these cookies special is their simplicity.

Most recipes require just 8 ingredients and can be made without refined sugar or gluten if needed. Try making these when you want something different from traditional chocolate chip cookies. The lemon-coconut combination offers a unique flavor profile that even non-vegans will enjoy.

10. Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies

These chewy vegan pumpkin spice molasses cookies blend two wonderful flavors into one delicious treat. They offer a perfect balance of warm spices and rich molasses.

The cookies have a fudgy interior with a slightly chewy exterior. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring just one bowl and about 30 minutes of your time. The recipe typically includes coconut oil, white and brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and molasses as the base ingredients.

These cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or holiday parties. You can enjoy them plain or get creative with a maple cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence. They’re also gluten-free friendly with the right flour substitutions.

11. Blueberry Almond Vegan Cookies

These grain-free blueberry almond cookies make a perfect breakfast or snack option. They’re packed with flavor and offer bright bursts of blueberry in every bite.

Made with almond flour, these cookies are both gluten-free and vegan. You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries to achieve their naturally blue color. Some recipes include a brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping for extra sweetness. Others add lemon for a refreshing twist.

These cookies are easy to make, often requiring just one bowl. They’re a healthier cookie option that you can enjoy without guilt when you want something sweet yet nutritious.

12. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Raspberry thumbprint cookies are a delightful vegan treat that combines buttery shortbread with tart raspberry jam. These cookies feature a soft, sweet base topped with a vibrant jam center that adds the perfect fruity contrast.

You can make these cookies using almond flour for a gluten-free option that maintains a tender texture. The addition of almond extract enhances the flavor and complements the raspberry filling beautifully. For an extra touch, try adding a simple almond-flavored glaze on top.

Some recipes also include a vegan chocolate chip as a decoration. These cookies bring joy with every bite and make a perfect addition to your vegan baking repertoire.

13. Maple Pecan Chocolate Chunk

These cookies blend maple syrup, pecans, and chocolate into a delightful treat. They’re soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

You’ll need vegan butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, and arrowroot powder as binding agents. The combination creates a perfectly textured cookie that holds together well. The star ingredients – pecans and chocolate chunks – provide delicious contrast in every bite.

The nutty crunch of pecans works beautifully with the rich chocolate. Some recipes use pecan butter instead of whole pecans for a smoother texture. Others include maple extract to amplify the flavor. These cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and no complicated techniques.

14. Black Sesame Matcha Cookies

Black Sesame Matcha Cookies offer a perfect blend of earthy flavors with Japanese-inspired ingredients. These cookies feature a striking appearance with green matcha and black sesame elements.

The cookies provide a delightful texture experience – crispy on the outside with a soft, chewy interior. They’re completely vegan and can be made gluten-free, making them accessible for various dietary needs. Rich in antioxidants from the matcha and protein from the black sesame, these cookies are a healthier treat option.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients and is surprisingly simple to make. Try these cookies when you want something unique that balances sweetness with complex flavors.

15. Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Cranberry orange biscotti offers a delightful twist on traditional Italian cookies. These twice-baked treats combine tart cranberries with bright orange flavor for a perfect balance.

You can easily make these vegan by using plant-based butter and egg replacers. The dough comes together quickly with all-purpose flour, dried cranberries, and a hint of orange zest. After baking once, you’ll slice the loaf and bake again to achieve that signature crunch.

The dried cranberries add chewy texture and vibrant color. These biscotti are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. They also make excellent gifts during the holiday season due to their festive red and orange appearance.

16. Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Soft gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite that you can enjoy year-round. These vegan treats have crispy edges with perfectly soft centers.

The cookies are flavored with a warming blend of spices including ginger, cinnamon, and rich molasses. This combination gives them that classic gingerbread taste everyone loves. You can easily make these cookies gluten-free while maintaining their chewy texture.

They’re simple to prepare and fun to decorate with vegan icing. The dough holds its shape well during baking, making them perfect for cookie cutters. Try these spicy-sweet cookies for your next holiday gathering or anytime you crave something comforting.

17. Classic Vegan Sugar Cookies

Classic vegan sugar cookies bring all the joy of traditional sugar cookies without any animal products.

These sweet treats are soft, chewy, and buttery, making them perfect for any occasion. You can make these cookies with just a few simple ingredients like flour, vegan butter, sugar, and vanilla.

Many recipes require just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. The dough comes together in minutes, and you can easily roll and cut it into fun shapes. Top your cookies with vegan icing for a decorative touch. These cookies are ideal for holidays or whenever you want something sweet.

They’re dairy-free, egg-free, and some recipes offer gluten-free options too.

18. Cardamom Pistachio Crescents

These delightful crescent-shaped cookies blend the aromatic flavor of cardamom with crunchy pistachios. The combination creates a unique taste experience that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

You’ll love how the cardamom’s warm, spicy notes complement the nutty pistachios. These crescents have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible.

The dough comes together quickly with simple vegan ingredients like plant-based butter and flour.

Roll the crescents in a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking for an elegant finish.

These cookies make a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or afternoon tea. Their beautiful green flecks from the pistachios add visual appeal too.

19. Walnut Espresso Cacao Bites

These walnut espresso cacao bites combine rich chocolate flavors with a coffee kick. They’re completely plant-based and perfect for when you need a quick energy boost.

The combination of walnuts and espresso creates a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both nutty and slightly bitter. The cacao adds a deep chocolate richness that balances the coffee notes perfectly.

You can make these treats in under 30 minutes. They’re oil-free and can easily be made gluten-free by using the right flour blend.

Store them in an airtight container for up to five days. The espresso flavor actually deepens over time, making them even more delicious the next day.

20. Vegan White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

These vegan white chocolate macadamia nut cookies are a delicious treat with golden brown edges and buttery flavor. They combine the rich taste of white chocolate chips with the crunch of roasted macadamia nuts.

You can easily make these cookies at home with simple ingredients. Many recipes recommend using dry roasted and salted macadamia nuts for the best flavor profile.

The cookies turn out chewy and decadent, yet the preparation process is straightforward. You’ll love how the sweet white chocolate balances with the savory macadamia nuts in every bite.

These cookies make a perfect addition to your vegan baking repertoire when you’re craving something special.

21. Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies bring the classic Mexican hot chocolate flavors into a delicious vegan treat. They combine sweet dark chocolate with warming spices like cinnamon and a kick of cayenne pepper.

The recipe typically uses vegan butter, brown and white sugar, and vanilla extract for the base. You’ll also need gluten-free flour to keep these cookies allergy-friendly.

What makes these cookies special is their perfect texture – slightly crisp on the outside with a chewy center. The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference.

Roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a beautiful crackled top that adds both texture and flavor.

The Science of Vegan Baking

Vegan baking requires understanding how plant-based ingredients function differently from animal products. These substitutions affect both chemistry and texture in ways that can actually improve your cookies.

Replacing Dairy and Eggs

Plant-based alternatives serve specific purposes in cookie recipes. For butter, coconut oil, vegetable shortening, or vegan butter provide the necessary fat content. These options create different textures—coconut oil makes crispier edges while vegan butter mimics traditional cookies more closely.

Egg replacers work as binders and leavening agents. Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) add moisture and help hold ingredients together. Meanwhile, applesauce or mashed banana add moisture but create softer cookies, and aquafaba (chickpea liquid) works well for lighter textures.

Plant milks substitute easily for dairy milk. Almond, oat, and soy milk each impart subtle flavor differences. In chocolate chip cookies, these differences are usually masked by the chocolate and vanilla.

Achieving Perfect Texture

Texture depends on the right balance of ingredients. For chewy centers like those mentioned in the Ovenly bakery cookies, try these techniques:

Use brown sugar instead of white for moisture retention
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking
Slightly underbake cookies, removing them when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone

The protein content in your flour matters too. All-purpose flour creates a balanced texture, while bread flour makes chewier cookies. Some recipes, like those using chickpea flour, offer extra protein that helps bind ingredients without eggs.

Watch your baking time carefully—vegan cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly. They often continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.

Essential Ingredients for Vegan Cookies

Making delicious vegan cookies requires specific plant-based alternatives that replicate the texture and flavor of traditional ingredients. The right fats and sweeteners are key components that ensure your cookies turn out chewy, soft, and irresistible.

Plant-Based Butters and Oils

Vegan butter is one of the most popular substitutes in cookie recipes. It creates that familiar texture traditional cookies have. Look for brands specifically labeled as vegan butter sticks, which tend to work better for baking than tub varieties.

Refined coconut oil works wonderfully in cookie recipes. It provides structure without adding a coconut flavor to your treats. When a recipe calls for softened butter, you can replace it with coconut oil at a 1:1 ratio.

Cashew butter makes an excellent base for oatmeal cookies as mentioned in The Vegan 8 recipe. Other options include:

Olive oil (for a subtle flavor)
Avocado oil (neutral taste)
Vegetable shortening (for crispy edges)

Natural Sweeteners

Brown sugar is essential for chewy vegan cookies, providing both sweetness and moisture. It works particularly well in chocolate chip cookies and helps achieve that classic Tollhouse-style texture.

White sugar creates crisp edges and helps cookies spread properly. You can combine it with brown sugar for the perfect texture balance.

Other vegan-friendly sweetening options include: